Dueto Alegre in Bloomington, MN

This CD compiles 21 sides recorded by
Martinez
(often as part of
Dueto Alegre
, with
Juan Gonzalez
on bajo sexto and vocal) for the
Falcon
and
Ideal
labels between 1948 and 1956, making for a good document of one of the lesser-known early
conjunto
music pioneers. For the record,
Gonzalez
isn't
's only vocal duet partner here;
Jesus Maya
Jose Vela
sing with
on some sides, and
sings some tunes alone. Whoever's doing the singing, it's good if similar-sounding
, the vocal harmony numbers broken up by some instrumental
polkas
waltzes
. The slower cancions stand out more than the peppier tunes, as they bring out the doleful qualities in the
-
vocal blend, while the instrumental
waltz
"Me Queda Ti Recuerdo"
is a good showcase for the more inventive and varied features of
's bajo sexto work (though he sounds out of tune on another instrumental
,
"Dominga"
). All tracks but one were remastered from original 78s and test pressings, leading to unavoidable surface noise, but it's never at such a high level that it seriously distracts from the listening experience. ~ Richie Unterberger